Local volunteer receives Civic Award

Colin French, Chairman of the Warminster Cycle Club, was presented with the Civic Award by Mayor Rob Fryer on Saturday in front of a gathering of cycling enthusiasts at the Civic Centre who were attending a film Colin had put on as a fundraiser.
On handing Colin the award, the Mayor said:
“I am delighted to present this year’s Civic Award to Colin French in recognition of his services to the community of Warminster.
Colin has been the instigator and the organiser of many local events, community projects and charities. His major achievement is undoubtedly the setting up of the Warminster Wobble in 2008. This annual weekend of cycling has gone from strength to strength entirely due to Colin’s organisational skills and sheer hard work.
Colin organised the clearance of Smallbrook Lane for cyclists and walkers, worked on the Warminster circular safe cycling route and helped organise the clearance and widening of Bartholomew Lane and Glovers Lane for cyclists and pedestrians.
Saturday cycle rides have been developed by Colin to encourage local riders and health and fitness riders to gain confidence. He works closely with local planners and developers to plan and discuss the best cycle routes for the ongoing safety and benefit of Warminster’s cyclists.
In addition to his focus on improving the town’s cycling routes, Colin was the visionary for the Warminster Community Orchard. He was involved in the planning stage, clearing the area, and choosing and planting the trees with a group of volunteers that he had organised and encouraged. The maintenance of the orchard and the organisation of its community events, including apple pressing days, are overseen by Colin.
It gives me great pleasure to present Colin with the Civic Award which he so richly deserves.”
Colin thanked the Mayor for the great honour which had taken him completely by surprise.